Targeting immunoglobulin E in atopic dermatitis: A review of the existing evidence

Abstract

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays an essential role in many allergic diseases. This review highlights the role of IgE in atopic dermatitis (AD), a common, chronic, and complex skin inflammation, and the available therapeutic approaches that target IgE in AD. We examine the existing data showing the use of omalizumab, the only biologic anti-IgE therapy available in clinical use, plasma apheresis, and a combination of both therapeutic approaches for the treatment of AD. Existing data on the efficacy of omalizumab in AD are inconclusive. A limited number of randomised controlled studies, few uncontrolled prospective and retrospective reports, as well as multiple case series and case reports observed varying degrees of the efficacy of omalizumab in AD. Omalizumab displays a trend of higher efficacy in AD patients with low IgE levels compared with those with very high-to-extremely high serum IgE concentrations. Plasma apheresis and its combination with omalizumab show good efficacy, even in patients with unusually high serum IgE concentrations. Combining apheresis and anti-IgE treatment may serve as a comprehensive therapeutic approach for patients with elevated levels of IgE. Dedicated clinical studies with robust study designs are needed to establish the therapeutic efficacy of omalizumab in AD.

Keywords

• Apheresis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Biologics
• Immunoglobulin E
• Omalizumab